Chapter 16 Creative Movement The Importance of Movement Activities for Young Children Benefits of Creative Movement Planning Creative Movement Activities to Meet Young Children’s Needs Adapting Creative Movement Activities for Children with Special Needs

The Importance of Movement Activities for Young Children Use of large and small muscles Motor coordination Movement as main means of learning Rich opportunities for development of total self Kinesthetic ways of knowing Understanding/negotiating the world

Benefits of Creative Movement Sensory awareness—visual, auditory, tactile Social development Body awareness Concentration, attention span Personal development Speed and retention of learning

Planning Creative Movement Activities Characteristics of age group Developmental level Time to be creative Use music and poetry for stimulation Art and creative movement

Adapting Creative Movement Activities for Children with Special Needs Children participate at their own level Sense of belonging to group Focus on what the children can do Large motor activities are important for strength, endurance, and coordination Integrate gross motor activities into daily schedule Follow with quiet activities

ACTIVITIES Let’s make it rain  Follow the bubbles